A mother and her 15-year-old daughter have tragically passed away after reportedly consuming a tainted Christmas meal. The pair died shortly after a family dinner. Antonella Di Ielsi, 50, and Sara Di Vita, 15, are believed to have eaten fish, mussels, and mushrooms during the festive gathering.
Authorities suspect that they developed fulminant hepatitis, leading to acute liver failure due to food poisoning. The mother and daughter began experiencing symptoms such as vomiting and abdominal pain soon after eating the meal in Pietracatella, Italy.
Sara was taken to the emergency room twice before being sent home. Her condition deteriorated, and she died at Cardarelli Hospital on Saturday night at 11 pm. Antonella was hospitalized shortly after showing similar symptoms, as reported by The Mirror US.
Vincenzo Cuzzone, from Cardarelli Hospital, stated that the situation took an unusual turn, quickly leading to death despite medical intervention. Sara arrived at the hospital with general symptoms, prompting Antonella’s admission as a precaution. The family patriarch, Ganni Di Vita, also exhibited symptoms and was hospitalized in Rome’s intensive care unit.
Police collected food samples from their home, including canned goods and fresh produce, to determine the source of the poisoning. An investigation has been launched by the public prosecutor’s office, which includes post-mortem examinations.
The village mayor expressed shock and condolences, stating that the tragedy had left the community speechless. Residents held a vigil at the hospital, and Christmas festivities were canceled. Five doctors from Cardarelli Hospital are under investigation for possible negligence.
Prosecutor Nicola D’Angelo announced that the inquiry would focus on negligence, determining the cause of the poisoning, and preventing similar tragedies from occurring in the future.